Science at Watkins?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's been a few years but my kids always did lots of of science in the gardens, plus science fair starting in 3rd grade I think. Also the kids go to space camp when they get to Stuart, which is a trip they've been doing for at least 10 years. Maury just started doing the space camp trip last year I believe.

Students used to go to Space Camp every other year, until the mass exodus of teachers two years ago. CHCS only attended Space Camp three times. Stuart-Hobson parents are trying to do a Space Camp trip but the planning process has been tedious and the response a bit slow. There used to be four teachers who arranged the trip. There is only on left and her primary role back then was to handle the fundraising.

I believe science at Watkins is only as strong at its budget. There was a hodgepodge of materials left from the science program many, many years ago. DCPS no longer replaces the used items. Unless someone is purchasing the needed materials, most of what is needed to make a significant difference in hands-on science instruction will be sporadic and random - not at all related to the standards in the DCPS science curriculum.

By the way, 5th and 8th grades are the only grades required to do standardized testing in science. The other grade levels sometimes do not do their part to build on science knowledge; thus, placing the blame and responsibility on those testing grades.

[Anonymous]

True of DCPS elementary schools in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Science in elementary school is not really that important. Math and languange are much more fundamental.

Watkins, 34% at or above grade level in English, 35% Math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Science in elementary school is not really that important. Math and languange are much more fundamental.

Watkins, 34% at or above grade level in English, 35% Math.

are you the same poster posting year 1 PARCC scores on every thread like it's gospel? seriously - just go away

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Science in elementary school is not really that important. Math and languange are much more fundamental.

Watkins, 34% at or above grade level in English, 35% Math.

are you the same poster posting year 1 PARCC scores on every thread like it's gospel? seriously - just go away

R u the poster who keeps saying you recommend a school bc their neighbor's cousin's stepbrother sent their kid there, they can walk to school and they really liked it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Science in elementary school is not really that important. Math and languange are much more fundamental.

Watkins, 34% at or above grade level in English, 35% Math.

are you the same poster posting year 1 PARCC scores on every thread like it's gospel? seriously - just go away

R u the poster who keeps saying you recommend a school bc their neighbor's cousin's stepbrother sent their kid there, they can walk to school and they really liked it?

Troll

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been a few years but my kids always did lots of of science in the gardens, plus science fair starting in 3rd grade I think. Also the kids go to space camp when they get to Stuart, which is a trip they've been doing for at least 10 years. Maury just started doing the space camp trip last year I believe.

Students used to go to Space Camp every other year, until the mass exodus of teachers two years ago. CHCS only attended Space Camp three times. Stuart-Hobson parents are trying to do a Space Camp trip but the planning process has been tedious and the response a bit slow. There used to be four teachers who arranged the trip. There is only on left and her primary role back then was to handle the fundraising.

I believe science at Watkins is only as strong at its budget. There was a hodgepodge of materials left from the science program many, many years ago. DCPS no longer replaces the used items. Unless someone is purchasing the needed materials, most of what is needed to make a significant difference in hands-on science instruction will be sporadic and random - not at all related to the standards in the DCPS science curriculum.

By the way, 5th and 8th grades are the only grades required to do standardized testing in science. The other grade levels sometimes do not do their part to build on science knowledge; thus, placing the blame and responsibility on those testing grades.

Is this a DCPS policy, not to replace science program materials in all DCPS schools?

5th grade is the only science testing grade at Watkins -- are you saying all the science is learned in 5th grade?

[Anonymous]

Science is supposed to be taught in every grade, testing only happens in 5th and 8th. No one is held accountable until 5 and 8. Teachers are under pressure to teach math and reading because of test scores. Other grade levels teach random science , if they r comfortable with the subject matter.

[Anonymous]

At least with the Cornerstones this year every grade level had has at least two required science units. The 5th grade test now covers 3-5th material but most probably don't know that and still leave it to the 5th grade teacher.